The Golden State Warriors are in a spot where standing pat just isn’t an option. Sitting at 11-10 in a loaded Western Conference, they’re not in rebuild mode like the Thunder - they’re still trying to contend.
But to do that, something’s got to give. Whether it’s addressing their lack of consistent perimeter shooting or shoring up their presence in the paint, this roster needs a shakeup before the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
One name that’s started to pop up in trade chatter is Buddy Hield. The veteran guard has struggled to find his rhythm this season, and his once-reliable three-point shot has gone cold.
Through 21 games, he’s shooting just 30.8% from deep - a career low - and dangerously close to dipping below that 30% threshold. For a player known for his shooting stroke, that’s a glaring red flag.
Enter Naji Marshall, a 6-foot-6 forward currently in the second year of a three-year, $27 million deal. On paper, he doesn’t offer a massive statistical upgrade - his three-point percentage this season (30.9%) is nearly identical to Hield’s. But Marshall brings something else to the table: defensive versatility, physicality, and the kind of two-way upside the Warriors could use more of on the wing.
A potential deal sending Hield to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Marshall has been floated, though it wouldn’t be a simple one-for-one swap. With both the Warriors and Mavericks operating above the first tax apron, a third team would likely need to get involved to make the salaries and cap rules line up.
Still, the framework makes sense. The Warriors would be swapping a struggling shooter for a player who, while not lighting it up from deep, fits better with their current needs - especially on the defensive end.
Of course, there’s always the possibility that Golden State packages Hield’s contract with Jonathan Kuminga and draft assets in pursuit of a bigger name. But if the front office decides to take a more measured approach - targeting lower-cost, high-energy role players - Marshall could be a solid return.
And with Seth Curry now back in the mix, it’s not hard to imagine him carving out a more consistent role than Hield moving forward. Curry’s familiarity with the system, his off-ball movement, and his shooting touch give him a natural edge in this rotation. If that trend continues, Hield’s minutes - and value - could drop even further.
At this point, the Warriors don’t need a blockbuster to get back on track. But they do need a move.
Marshall may not be a headline-grabber, but he’s the kind of player who could quietly help stabilize a second unit that’s lacked identity. For a team still trying to squeeze another deep playoff run out of its veteran core, that might be exactly what they need.